Squash, Pumpkins - Fall Decor and Health Benefits (2024)

Welcome | Squash, Pumpkins – Fall Decor and Health Benefits

Squash, Pumpkins – Fall Decor and Health Benefits

Many of us decorate our fall tables and porches with squash and pumpkins, but did you know these “winter squashes” have tremendous health benefits?

Acorn, spaghetti and butternut squash and pumpkin are considered “super foods” because they contain large amounts of fiber and vitamins, specifically A and C. Many also have the important minerals of calcium, potassium and magnesium, along with Vitamin B. Winter squash also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and for that reason may help in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Early studies also suggest that vegetables in this family may block the formation of cholesterol in cells and help regulate blood sugar levels. And on the diet front, spaghetti squash – which resembles pasta when cooked – is a good low-carb substitute for spaghetti. And pumpkin seeds are a rich source of plant-based protein.

You can use winter squash in a variety of ways:

  • Puree it and add it to soups and pasta dishes. Squash can be a great filling for lasagna or ravioli. Chop squash into tiny pieces and “hide” it in your regular spaghetti sauce. You’ve added “invisible” vegetables to the mix. (We promise not to tell your kids.)
  • Steam cubes of squash for only about 7 minutes for a quick side dish that’s still filled with vitamins. (Remember that cooking veggies too long in water can remove important nutrients.)
  • Stuff squash with other healthy ingredients for a savory side dish or meal. Acorn squash is great with apples and other fruits. Many types of squash can be filled with rice and low-fat stuffing or sausage mixtures.
  • Remember, these kinds of squash have hard skins. So be careful when cutting them.
Post Tags
Squash, Pumpkins - Fall Decor and Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Squash, Pumpkins - Fall Decor and Health Benefits? ›

This spooky squash is not just a fall decoration. It contains ample vitamins and antioxidants that can help you get through flu season. Pumpkins contain beta-carotene, which your body changes to vitamin A.

What are the health benefits of squash and pumpkin? ›

Acorn, spaghetti and butternut squash and pumpkin are considered “super foods” because they contain large amounts of fiber and vitamins, specifically A and C. Many also have the important minerals of calcium, potassium and magnesium, along with Vitamin B.

What are the beauty benefits of squash? ›

Squash is rich in beta-carotene, a plant pigment that is a vitamin A enabler and will bring a glow to your complexion. It is excellent for the skin and contributes to a healthy immune system. The antioxidant vitamins A and C it contains neutralise free radicals.

Is Fall squash good for you? ›

Butternut squash, or winter squash, is harvested in the fall but it keeps well for several months. It is a good source of fiber, potassium, and several other key nutrients. The nutritional content of squash makes it beneficial for digestion, blood pressure, and for healthy skin and hair, among others.

What are the healing properties of pumpkin? ›

“Pumpkins are rich in potassium, which can help regulate your blood pressure, lowering your risk for heart attack and stroke,” said George. “They also contain vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease.”

What organ is pumpkin good for? ›

Pumpkin is recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet that may help lower your risk of heart disease. It offers a long list of nutrients that protect and support the heart, such as vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, copper, fiber, folate, and manganese.

What does pumpkin do to your gut? ›

And pumpkins are also great for our gut: They are full of fibre, which helps to form stools, keep us regular and feed our gut bacteria. Potassium supports normal cell function throughout the body and low levels may lead to constipation and fatigue.

What part of the body is squash good for? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

Why is squash a superfood? ›

Squash is rich in minerals, including calcium. Calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. The vitamins A and C in squash also help keep your bones healthy. In fact, a 2017 review of studies linked vitamin A deficiency to an increased risk of bone fractures.

Is squash good for your gut? ›

This type of summer squash is 94% water and provides some soluble and insoluble fiber. As a result, zucchini helps us stay hydrated and offers up both types of gut-supporting fiber.

When should you not eat squash? ›

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch, is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

Does squash detox your body? ›

Vegetables are superfoods for detoxification and gut health, particularly green leafy, cruciferous, and squash varieties that contain unique plant chemicals.

What type of squash is the healthiest? ›

Acorn squash, delicata squash, and butternut squash are just a few examples of winter squash that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Try incorporating the winter squash varieties listed above into your diet this fall and winter for an easy way to care for your health from the inside out.

What do pumpkins represent spiritually? ›

The pumpkin is a symbol of abundance, prosperity and good fortune, and it is associated with the harvest season. The pumpkin's ability to produce so much food from a single seed is a testament to its importance as a food source of abundance. In the Bible, the blood of Jesus washes away our sins.

What does pumpkin do to your brain? ›

Both pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, and fiber promotes good brain health. A high-fiber diet has been shown to lead to a healthy gut, which leads to positive brain health.

What are the mental health benefits of pumpkin? ›

In a 2014 study in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing – individuals who reported consuming higher levels of tryptophan from a variety of foods (including pumpkin seeds) had significantly fewer symptoms of depression, irritability and anxiety in comparison to those who self-reported consuming less than the recommended ...

How does squash help your body? ›

One of the many reasons squash is in high demand during the colder seasons is its high fiber and nutritional density. Some health benefits include improving blood pressure, supporting gut health, and decreasing your risk for certain diseases. There are over 100 kinds of summer and winter squash.

What are 5 benefits of eating pumpkin? ›

Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.

What is the healthiest squash you can eat? ›

1. Butternut Squash. One of the most popular varieties of squash, it can be use in so many ways. It's one of the most rich in Vitamin A, boasting about 100% of the recommended daily value per cup, in the antioxidant form of beta-carotene.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5701

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.